Genetic Testing for Mental Health Approved as New Ally for Military Personnel and Veterans

February 9, 2016

Genetic Testing for Mental Health Approved as New Ally for Military Personnel and Veterans

February 9, 2016

Genetic Testing for Mental Health Approved as New Ally for Military Personnel and Veterans

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — Feb. 9th, 2016 — Veterans and active military personnel are now eligible to receive the Genecept Assay® (www.genomind.com), a genetic test for mental health that helps patients feel better.

The decision by the General Services Administration follows its extensive review of how clinicians are already using the Genecept Assay to help guide treatment and medication regimens for individual patients.

The Genecept Assay from Genomind is a genetic test that aids in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, autism and schizophrenia. It also assists in the treatment of chronic pain and substance abuse.

This federal reimbursement decision follows last month’s announcement that the Genecept Assay added eight more genes to its previously existing panel of 10, making it the most comprehensive pharmacogenetic test available for psychiatry.

The Genecept Assay is easy to administer; it requires only a small sample of the patient’s saliva, collected by swabbing the inside of the cheek with a cotton swab. The sample is sent to the Genomind laboratory for testing, and test results are reported to the ordering clinician within 3–5 business days.

The expanded Genecept Assay helps to reduce the time, expense and struggle of finding the right treatment by trial and error. The Genecept Assay now covers more than 15 drug classes, 103 medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 18 clinically validated genes and 97 percent of medications used to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder and autism, and offers comprehensive coverage of pain medications.

In comparison to competitors, the Genecept Assay analyzes the most clinically relevant genes all in one comprehensive test panel. Specifically, it tests for variations in 12 pharmacodynamic genes that indicate the effect a drug has on the body, subsequently informing drug candidate selection. It also analyzes six pharmacokinetic genes that indicate the effect the body has on the drug via metabolism, which helps to inform drug dosage.

“We are grateful for all those who have served or are serving in the military. We know the Genecept Assay has already provided relief to tens of thousands of patients and are glad this decision means we’ll be able to help even more patients who are connected to the military,” says Michael Koffler, Genomind’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

About the Genecept Assay®

The Genecept Assay® is a genetic test designed to help clinicians optimize treatment decisions for their patients with mental illness. It identifies patient-specific genetic markers that indicate which treatments are likely to work as intended, have no effect or cause adverse effects. It is an easily administered cheek swab test that analyzes key genes that have been selected based on hundreds of studies showing that variations in these genes can inform treatment decisions. The Assay is used to guide treatment for a range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism, schizophrenia, chronic pain and substance abuse, and has been shown in peer-reviewed published studies to improve patient outcomes and reduce overall medical costs. Each Assay provides clinicians with an easy-to-read patient report and a complimentary psychopharmacogenomic consultation. Learn more at www.genomind.com.

About Genomind

Genomind is a personalized medicine company bringing innovation to mental health care through genetic testing. Genomind is comprised of pioneering researchers and thought leaders in psychiatry and neurology and specializes in pharmacogenetic laboratory testing for psychiatry. Genomind is committed to partnering with clinicians to improve their patients’ lives. Learn more at www.genomind.com.